Editors Note: This prose was inspired by the original poem, Rainbow Bridge, author unknown.

K-9 Drive at Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. Right next to Rainbow Bridge is a special place set aside for police K-9’s. It is called K-9 Drive.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. When a K-9 dies or is killed, and that K-9 has dedicated it’s life to it’s handler, that K-9 goes to K-9 Drive.

On K-9 Drive, there are streets and lots of grassy areas for all of the K-9’s to run and play together. They have no worries or stress, and they all get along with each other. They like to protect all of the other animals on Rainbow Bridge, even though it isn’t necessary.

There are plenty of treats, water and lots of police cars so the K-9’s can jump in and out of them to feel at home. Each K-9 has their own Kong. Even though they don’t need their K-9 vests, they still enjoy wearing them to remind them of their service on Earth.

All of the K-9’s who were shot and killed in the line of duty, or became ill, are restored to health and vigor. They are made whole and strong again, just as their handlers remember them. All of the K-9’s are happy and relaxed, and each K-9 is assigned it’s own special K-9 badge. They wear them proudly, as God has personally blessed each one as He places their badges upon their chests. God also patted each one on the head and said “Good Boy!” or “Good girl!”

The K-9’s are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each worry about their handlers who were so special to them, and had to be left behind. As the K-9’s play on K-9 Drive, they always keep an eye towards Earth, to check on their handlers. They always want to make sure their handlers are safe. The K-9’s run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. He sniffs the air and listens for those all too familiar commands. He spots his special Kong being tossed up into the air. He sees his handler’s police car!

The handler has been spotted, and when the K-9 and his master finally meet, they cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. They meet halfway and both fall to the ground in a playful wrestling match. The happy kisses rain upon the handler’s face; the handler’s hands again caress the beloved head of the K-9, and they look once more into the trusting eyes of their K-9 so long gone from their life but never absent from their heart.

The K-9 and the handler get into the car and drive proudly down K-9 Drive. They cross Rainbow Bridge together and continue their journey to Valhalla. God is waiting to thank them both for their services. God opens his arms wide to welcome both into Valhalla, where the rest of the Blue Family are waiting. There is a loud applause as they enter. The handler tosses the Kong as far as he or she can throw it and the K-9 is in hot pursuit. The game is on.

To all police officers and police K-9’s: Thank you for your service. You have earned a special place in Heaven and Valhalla. From Lake Havasu, Arizona, LEO supporter, Veronica Forston